A Survey of the Interpersonal Communication Course at U.S. Colleges and Universities.

Berryman, Cynthia L.; Weaver, Richard L., II

Speech departments from 658 colleges and universities completed questionnaires in an investigation of the status, philosophy, content, methods, and materials of the interpersonal communication course as it is currently being taught. The study revealed that there is a consistent pattern in the nature of interpersonal courses. Generally, they are 100-level courses, taught independently by regular full-time staff members, and offered for three credit hours with five sections of the course offered each semester, each section with from 23 to 30 students. The course philosophy is predominantly humanistic-behavioristic with instructors devoting a majority of class time directly to interpersonal communication. Little overall time is given to intrapersonal and small group communication, communication theory, and public speaking. The survey indicated that most instructors approach a balance between theory and performance. This balance is reflected in the use of both written examinations and class participation as methods for determining student grades, which are generally determined by the instructor, not by the students. The investigation supports the idea that although interpersonal communication courses are new, they appear to have gained a strong foothold in college and university speech curricula. (Tables of findings are included.) (FL)